The Bush administration is asking the state of Texas to hold new hearings for 51 Mexicans on death row, who say they were denied consular assistance in violation of international law.

The move is in response to a 2004 ruling by the International Court of Justice, which said Texas officials failed to notify the Mexicans of their right to talk to consular officials shortly after their arrests.

U.S. officials said in a recent Supreme Court filing that complying with the World Court's decision will help protect the interests of U.S. citizens abroad and underscore America's commitment to international law.

The decision comes just weeks ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court hearing in the case of Jose Medellin, one of five gang members sentenced to death for the rape and murder of two Texas girls in 1993.